Fallacies in Project 2025

 Hello Class,

This week we are discussing common fallacies found in online articles. I chose to analyze fallacies found in The Project 2025 document created by The Heritage Foundation. Below, is an image that represents some common fallacies. 

False Dilemma

One example of a False Dilemma or Either/Or Fallacy presented in Project 2025 is the idea that the current bureacracy is unaccountable and biased and that the only solution is an overhaul of the system. The idea is presented that everyone currently in office is biased and everyone that they would put in office would be biased in favor of the current administration. It ignores other mechanisms like creating oversight or encouraging nonpartisan accountability.

Slippery Slope

The entire document demostrates a Slippery Slope as they encourage federal consilidation and and reshaping of federal agencies which could alter our democracy as we know it. 

Straw Man

Finally, there is a Straw Man argument made in the document where they make it seem as if all opponents of Project 2025 are opposed to government reform and prefer inefficient bureaucracy.

Sources:

The Heritage Foundation. 2023. Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise. Washington, DC: The Heritage Foundation. https://www.project2025.org.

Williams, Clay COMM 211, Canvas Course Learning Materials, Week 8, “Persuasion Basics.” 20 April 2025.

Winters, Michael. 2018. “The OWL, Logical Fallacies, and Social Media Arguments.” Excelsior Online Writing Lab, March 14, 2018. https://owl.excelsior.edu/blog/the-owl-logical-fallacies-and-social-media-arguments/.